The award is presented to councils that excel in three categories: outstanding membership improvement and retention, outstanding promotion of the order’s insurance programs and excellence in volunteer programming activities within the community.

“It is very rare to get all three and get the Star Council Award,” said Ray Doucet, the local grand knight. “We got them all this year which is big for us. We are extremely proud of this accomplishment.”

Doucet received the award on behalf of the council’s 159 members from district deputy Allan Bragg in early November.

In a news release, Carl Anderson, CEO of the Knights of Columbus, said he hopes the local council will continue to follow the path it is on.

“May this award be a reminder and inspiration to the members of your council to continue to promote the ideals of Columbanism for the good of the Church, your community and the order.”

Doucet said the council is constantly looking for new members and promoting its internal insurance policy.

As for staying active in the community, well that is what the world’s largest Catholic lay organization is all about in Sydney, Doucet added.

“We’re known for being a part of everything here in Sydney,” said Doucet. “Whatever is on the go we are probably in the midst of it helping out with whatever we can do.”